“Goa – a tiny emerald land of beaches!!!!”

The mystic land of Goa is an epitome of beauty. The land of beaches is surely a tourist paradise. Some of the best beaches of the world are found in Goa. Many tourists from every nook and corner of the world flock here to see the fascinating beauty of this mystical land of Goa.

Christianity, Hinduism and Islam are the three main religions pursued in Goa. There are also Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains.

The official language of the people of Goa is the Konkani language. Some of the people also speak Hindi and Gujarati. Other main languages of this green land are Marathi, Urdu and Kannada.

The people of Goa are very friendly, sociable, gregarious and convivial. They are basically adventure lovers. Talking about the population of Goa, the population of Goa is approximately around 1.2 million. Out of this, 59% of the population lives in the rural areas of the state and around 41% lives in the urban land.

Goa is famous for its beaches, temples and churches. The main tourist attractions are :

• Aguada Fort - Strategically located at the estuary of the river Mandovi, this fort was constructed in 1612 as a guard against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas. The walls of this fort are 5 metres high and 1.3 metres wide. Little surprise then that this remains to be the only fort that was not conquered by any invaders during the 450 yearlong rule of the Portuguese empire.
• Anjuna - The Anjuna Beach is rightly referred to as the Freak Capital of the World and happens to be one of the most popular beaches in the Beach Capital of India Goa. The swaying coconut palms and the soft white sand add to the holiday mood on the shore of the Arabian Sea. The hippy hang out of the sixties is still a major draw. Tourists from the younger generations as well as the flower generations flock to Anjuna Beach. Thus, even if you seek nirvana or just want to enjoy the magic of the nature you must head to the Anjuna beach. Take a plunge into swimming the most relaxing water activity that can be pursued at the Anjuna Beach. It is safe as the sea is calm. Sun bathing is the most favored activity of the sun starved European tourists. The more adventurous of you may even try out bungee jumping.
• Baga - Baga beach is an option for those who want to be away from the hustle-bustle found on the other beaches. Baga beach in Goa looks as if it has come alive out of a painting… majestic white waves rushing to wipe out the feet imprints left by you on the brown sand while the wind continues to flirt with the palm trees. Goa's Baga beach is a small but perfect beach located between its two more famous cousins, Colva on one side and Calangute on the other. It is a good place to enjoy some quiet moments and dwell in peaceful contemplation with oneself. Ten kilometers west of Mapusa, Baga beach is an extension of Calangute beach. In fact, it is difficult to mark where one ends and another begins. A rocky wooded headland marks Baga beach. It is less congested in comparison to Calangute beach. The scenery here is unspoiled. The land and sea meet here in a picture perfect manner. White waves rush towards the brown sand to sweep the feet marks. Unlike other beaches, Baga beach is free from any hustle bustle.
• Old Goa - Old Goa is only nine kilometers east of Panaji. Founded in 1510 by Alfonso de Albuquerque as the old capital, the place is replete with churches and more churches. The Se Cathedral, the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Professed House and Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church and Convent of St. Monica, the Church of St. Cajetan and the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine are, probably, the more mentionable of the lot. But the list of old buildings, all reflecting the chapters of bygone times, doesn’t quite and here. A drive is a must through the less-popular interiors of Goa and experience its unique cultural heritage. The impact of 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule is apparent in every aspect of Goan life - in the food and dress, in the houses painted in gay colours and in the joie de vivre of the people. In every village, the fresh lime-washed façade of a church stands out like a beacon in the deep green countryside.

Goa is basically a hub for water sports. With so many beaches on the beautiful land of Goa there is an ample amount of fun with water sports for the amusement of people. The adventure lovers find this land truly apt and pertinent. Various types of water sports are offered in many of the beaches in Goa. Some of the eminent water sports are sailing, para sailing, boat rides, wind surfing, diving, river cruises, water-skiing, water scooters and fishing.